David Clarence Davenport

David Clarence Davenport, 81, of 1285 Snug Harbor Road, Hertford, NC, passed from his worldly home to his heavenly home, Friday, September 27, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Columbia, North Carolina on May 23, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph and Sarah Whitehead Davenport. David married his sweetheart, Dolores Anne Julian, in Norfolk, Virginia on December 14, 1957. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage. They resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia before retiring to Hertford, North Carolina. As a young man, David served his country in the US Coast Guard and the Navy Reserves and then spent 30 years as a building contractor in the Tidewater area. A charter member and past president of Plaza Golden Lions Club, he was honored by the International Lions with the Melvin Jones Fellow award for his humanitarian service. At Princess Anne Plaza Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, David was ordained as a deacon and taught Sunday school. Later he served on the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, and was a past treasurer of Snug Harbor Community Church. He was also a Mason of Kempsville Lodge 196 in Virginia Beach. David enjoyed boating, fishing, golf and was a life-long Duke basketball fan. Most importantly, he was devoted to his family and friends. David often put the needs of others before his own personal interests. He loved and adored his children and grandchildren and was often found making them laugh with his funny stories and sayings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry, Doug, and Rudy Davenport; and sisters, Cynthia D. Baynor and Florence D. Johnson. Along with his beloved wife, Dolores, he is survived by his children, Charles (Tracey) Davenport of Virginia Beach and Lisa D. (Keith) Nixon of Lexington Park, Maryland; seven grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and will be remembered by many friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Snug Harbor Community Church in Hertford officiated by the Reverend Stanley Nixon. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA, officiated by his nephew, the Reverend Scott Mayo. Friends may join the family in the church social hall immediately following the church service on Tuesday, and other times at the residence. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Snug Harbor Community Church, 133 Fir Street, Hertford, NC 27944. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.